HISTORICAL SKETCH OF SS. CYRIL AND METHODIUS CHURCH
The Slovak colonization in Binghamton began between 1880 and 1890. Some families came to this country together, and some wives and children stayed behind while the men came to Binghamton, where they found work and later sent for their families. The number of Slovak immigrants in our area increased each year.
In those days, the Slovaks were like one closely knit family. The were well educated in their faith and brought their religious traditions with them from their home country. By the time the number of Slovak families reached over 100, they began to dream of a church of their own.
In July 1901, they made a definite move to organize a parish. With help from many Catholic organizations, they raised $1,000 by August 1902. They were finally able to purchase the lot on the corner of Clinton Street and the street that is now St. Cyril Avenue.
The church was incorporated on July 19, 1904. Building operations were started in the beginning of August and progressed so well that the cornerstone was laid on August 21, 1904. On May 30, 1905, the most Rev. Patrick Ludden came to Binghamton and solemnly dedicated the new church, choosing Saints Cyril and Methodius as patrons.
ABOUT SAINTS CYRIL AND METHODIUS
Cyril and Methodius were two Greek brothers, born in the 800s. Both became priests and missionaries to the Slav nations of Moravia, Bohemia, and Bulgaria.
In 862, the prince of Moravia asked for missionaries to bring the Good News to his country. He added one more request: that the missionaries speak the language of his people. Cyril and Methodius volunteered and were accepted. They invented a Slav alphabet, using it to translate the Bible and the liturgy into the Slav language. Because of them, people were able to receive Christianity in words they could understand.
Some in the Church at that time did not approve of the use of a native language for liturgy. The two brothers were called to meet with Pope Adrian II, who showed only gratitude and admiration for their work. He approved their methods of spreading the faith and named them Bishops.
ST. CYRIL'S TIMELINE
May 30, 1905: Saints Cyril and Methodius Roman Catholic Church is dedicated
May 10, 1906: Rectory is completed and occupied by pastor
1911: The building of Saints Cyril and Method School, considered one of the best and most modern schools in Binghamton
1923: Conventual Franciscan Friars, under the direction of the Diocese of Syracuse, assume the responsibility of providing for the spiritual growth of the people
1924: Renovations to the church begin to accommodate a larger congregation
1929: a Kilgen Pipe Organ is purchased through the generosity of the George F. Johnson family and the hall on St. Cyril Avenue was purchased
1934: a kitchen was added to the hall
Easter Sunday 1939: a disastrous fire broke out in the hall, causing a total loss of the building
January 1941: new Community Center, including a stage, meeting rooms, bowling alleys, and recreation area, dedicated
February 14, 1960: the last Mass to be celebrated at the old church
November 27, 1961: the first daily Mass celebrated at the new church
1979: St. Cyril's School closes
2004: St. Cyril's celebrates its 100th anniversary
2014: church administration changes from Conventual Franciscan to Diocesan